Stormcallers

The Stormcallers are a reclusive, storm-worshipping sect of mystics who revere the Everstorm as a divine, living force that embodies both the destructive and renewing powers of the storm. Comprised of exiles, hermits, and elemental shamans, the Stormcallers are deeply connected to the primal forces of nature, especially the violent and uncontrollable power of lightning, thunder, and wind. They believe that the Everstorm is a conduit through which they can achieve spiritual enlightenment and communion with ancient spirits from a long-lost civilization that once thrived in the region.

The Stormcallers are a nomadic and secretive group, with members living in remote locations, usually within the most dangerous and wild areas of the Storm Plains. Their hidden monasteries, built in isolated and treacherous cliffs or deep within the Shattered Peaks, are sanctuaries where they meditate, conduct rituals, and study the ways of the storm.

Beliefs & Doctrine

1. The Everstorm as Divine Force
   The central tenet of the Stormcaller faith is that the Everstorm is a living, conscious divine entity. It is seen as the embodiment of primal chaos, but also a necessary force of balance in the world. The sect believes that through the storm's destruction comes new growth and spiritual enlightenment. It is both terrifying and beautiful, a duality that mirrors the nature of existence itself. Stormcallers believe that those who commune with the Everstorm can access hidden knowledge, gain insight into the future, and even channel its raw energy for divine purposes. The Everstorm’s lightning strikes, thunder, and tempestuous winds are seen as the voice of the divine, a way for the storm gods to communicate their will to the world.
2. Skyward Pillars as Sacred Ground
   The Skyward Pillars are considered the holiest site for the Stormcallers. The sect believes that the ancient runes carved into the pillars were left behind by an ancient civilization that communed with the Everstorm long before the Stormcallers. This lost culture is seen by the Stormcallers as forerunners who unlocked the storm's divine powers and were chosen by the storm gods. Pilgrimages to the Skyward Pillars are a sacred rite, and every Stormcaller hopes to make a journey there at least once in their lifetime. The runes etched into the stones are believed to be a form of divine language—a code that can be deciphered to gain further spiritual enlightenment. The Stormcallers believe that those who can decode the runes will unlock the storm’s deepest secrets and achieve a closer connection with the divine.
3. The Ancients & Storm Spirits
   Stormcallers worship not only the Everstorm itself but also the spirits of the ancient civilization who once thrived in the area. These spirits are believed to be forebearers of storm magic, who have transcended their mortal forms and now exist as elemental entities that embody the forces of nature, such as lightning, thunder, and wind. The Stormcallers communicate with these spirits through their rituals and ceremonies. By invoking the storm's power, they hope to receive divine insight, gain favor, or perhaps even call upon the spirits to help them in times of need. The Stormcallers believe that their ultimate goal is to become like the ancient spirits themselves, becoming part of the Everstorm's eternal cycle.

Rituals & Practices

1. Pilgrimages to the Skyward Pillars
   The pilgrimage to the Skyward Pillars is considered the highest form of devotion. Stormcallers believe that they must shed their mortal concerns during the journey and immerse themselves fully in the power of the storm. The journey is grueling, often dangerous, and requires immense strength and spiritual resolve. During their pilgrimage, storms may guide or challenge the travelers, and it is believed that those who successfully complete the journey are blessed by the storm gods. Upon arrival at the Skyward Pillars, pilgrims meditate in the storm's presence, seeking to understand the divine will and gain knowledge from the ancient runes.
2. Rituals of Storm Communion
   Stormcallers regularly perform rituals during violent storms, channeling the power of the Everstorm through their bodies. These rituals often involve standing in the open, allowing lightning to strike nearby, or singing sacred chants that are said to call upon the divine energy of the storm. The rituals help the mystics achieve a state of ecstasy and connection with the Everstorm, making them more attuned to its divine power. Stormshamans are revered within the sect for their ability to channel lightning and manipulate the winds during these rituals. They are believed to be the direct intermediaries between the mortal world and the divine storm gods.
3. Sacred Stormstones
   Stormcallers believe that certain stones and crystals are imbued with the Everstorm’s energy. These Stormstones are often used in rituals to amplify the power of a storm or focus the storm’s energy for divination or healing. Stormcallers also use these stones to communicate with the spirits of the storm, believing that the energy contained within these stones is a direct manifestation of the Everstorm’s will.
4. Seers & Prophecies
   The Stormcallers have their own prophets, known as the Seers, who are believed to receive visions of the future during the most violent storms. These individuals, often chosen at birth, have a unique connection to the Everstorm, and their prophecies are considered sacred by the sect. The Seers are often consulted for guidance, particularly during times of crisis, and their predictions are believed to carry the will of the storm gods themselves.

The Stormcallers are a secretive and enigmatic religious sect, deeply devoted to the Everstorm and its powers. Their belief in the storm as a divine force, coupled with their connection to the Skyward Pillars, makes them a unique and isolated group within the wider world. Their rituals, pilgrimages, and spiritual practices are centered around communing with the storm, seeking to unlock its deepest secrets and become part of its eternal, chaotic cycle. Those who come into contact with the Stormcallers often find themselves forever changed by the raw power and divine mystery that the sect embodies.

Structure

The Stormcallers have no central leadership, as their sect is founded on the belief that every individual can commune directly with the Everstorm. However, certain individuals rise to prominence based on their connection to the storm’s power or their ability to interpret the ancient runes. These individuals are known as the Stormmasters and are seen as spiritual leaders and guides. Stormmasters often oversee the pilgrimages to the Skyward Pillars, lead rituals, and interpret the Seers' prophecies.

The sect is organized into smaller hermit communities, often led by a Stormshaman who guides the spiritual practices of the group. The spiritual practice within each community is largely self-directed, with each member encouraged to forge their own connection to the storm.

Public Agenda

While the Stormcallers maintain a strict level of seclusion, they are not hostile to outsiders. However, they rarely engage in large-scale interactions with external societies. When they do, it is usually for purposes of trading sacred Stormstones or sharing knowledge about the Everstorm. Occasionally, wandering Stormcallers will act as guides or oracles for those who seek to understand the mysteries of the Everstorm.

Outsiders who come into contact with the Stormcallers often do so out of a desire to understand the divine power of the Everstorm, or to gain favor from the storm gods. Stormcallers are highly protective of their sacred grounds, especially the Skyward Pillars, and view any interference with their rituals or the pillars as a blasphemous act.

Type

Religious, Sect

Location

The Shattered Peaks

Controlled Territories

• Stormcaller Shrine

Related Myths

• The First Stormcaller